CNN/YouTube Debate

Well, it was awful. I won't expand on why this is the case since it's kind of general knowledge at this point. However, I would like to throw in my 2 cents.

Now, in no particular order . . .

Tancredo
Not a bad day for Tancredo as far as days for Tancredo go. He was noticeable at least. Too bad he's a terrible candidate. Curtailing legal immigration is just way out there.

Hunter
He had almost no presence at the debate. There is nothing that distinguishes him whatsoever.

Thompson
I like Thompson. He's been putting out these very detailed, smart policy papers that no one, in either party, can match. He also had a good chance to take a shot at Romney, but kind of let it fall. Fred is just not a good campaigner and that's what has killed his chances.

Paul
Not a bad showing for Paul, but not a great one either. He could have used a breakout performance, especially with his huge funding advantage this quarter. The field is so crowded that he's having trouble finding traction, even with his unique position on the war. CNN did a very poor job alloting him with as little time as Tancredo and Duncan. He clearly is playing a much mroe important role than they are and, I'd say, is as important to the political discourse as any of the front runners.

Romney
A poor showing IMO. He had two good moments. He bested Giuliani in the sanctuary city vs. sanctuary mansion tussle early on. He also looked quite prudent by dismissing the Confederate flag question. He jumped right on it. Otherwise there was almost no substance to him whatsoever. He also had the misfortune to go up against McCain on a waterboarding question.

Giuliani
Rudy had a pretty poor performance all around. He stumbled on several questions and didn't have any particularly good moments. His answer to the gun control question was very reasonable (supports some restrictions), but the crowd didn't like it.

McCain
A great night for McCain. He handled the questions beautifully, demonstrating compassion and force when necessary. When crossing horns with Ron Paul on the Iraq War his results were a little mixed. However, on torture/waterboarding and on immigration, he was unmatched in his eloquence and his honesty. It was truly a Strait Talk Express night.

Huckabee
It was also a great night for Huckabee, who's humorous tone fit the debate format perfectly. He was as eloquent as McCain on almost all of his alloted time. He used the religious questions given to the field as a loom upon which he weaved a tapestry of pure charm. If this keeps up, Romney doesn't stand a chance in Iowa.